Gallipoli travel ban sensible, says Aussie Defence Minister

A ban on Australian soldiers, sailors and airmen making the pilgrimage to Gallipoli this Anzac Day is only sensible, says Defence Minister Robert Hill.

For the first time, Defence Force staff have been banned from using their holidays to travel to Anzac Cove for the dawn service on April 25 amid fears of a terrorist attack in Turkey.

Chief of Defence Force General Peter Cosgrove has ordered no leave be approved for travel to places deemed dangerous by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.

At least two senior Army officers have been ordered to cancel privately organised trips to Gallipoli.